He recently received the 'Outstanding Contribution to Grassroots Football' award from the Staffordshire Football Association.

Kevin played a pivotal role in transforming the quality of football pitches across Staffordshire and surrounding areas through the local Grass Pitch Improvement Programme and the GMA's Pitch Advisory Service. His expertise has left a lasting legacy, improving hundreds of pitches and enhancing the game for countless players and volunteers.

Earlier this year, Kevin took richly deserved retirement, but over the past decade he has provided invaluable support not only to local clubs and volunteer groundskeepers but also to Staffordshire FA itself.

Kevin Staples, Head of Delivery at Staffordshire FA, said: “We were really keen to ensure Kevin is recognised for the huge contribution he has made to Staffordshire football over last decade, and we were delighted to be able to surprise Kevin with this award at our annual Celebrating Staffordshire Football awards evening. Kevin has been an integral part of the Staffordshire FA grass pitch improvement programme since 2014, and he has created a significant legacy to help our ongoing mission to improve as many grass pitches as possible to help ensure as many teams as possible across the County can play on a good quality pitch.

"Kevin’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to the programme has enabled grassroots clubs and their volunteer workforces to access valuable advice from the GMA, supported by funding from the Football Foundation, which has set them up for many years to come. On behalf of Staffordshire FA and our network of clubs and volunteers, we want to say a huge thank you to Kevin for his outstanding contribution to Staffordshire Football.”

Adding a special touch, Kevin received his award from GMA Hall of Famer Andy Jackson, a close colleague who worked extensively with him on the pitch maintenance programme.